Question

Mention the characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture.

Hint:

Intensive subsistence farming uses limited land efficiently through labor and irrigation to meet food needs of large populations.

Answer 1

Intensive subsistence agriculture is a type of farming practiced mainly in densely populated regions where farmers cultivate small plots of land with maximum effort to obtain high yields. This type of agriculture is commonly found in South, Southeast, and East Asia.
Step 1: Meaning.
Intensive subsistence farming involves the use of small landholdings with intensive labor to produce food mainly for the farmer’s family consumption, with little surplus for sale.
Step 2: Characteristics.
The main characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture are:
1. Small landholdings and high population pressure.
2. High use of manual labor and traditional tools.
3. Multiple cropping and use of fertilizers to increase productivity.
4. Irrigation facilities to support cultivation throughout the year.
5. Production mainly for subsistence, though some surplus may be sold.
Step 3: Example.
This type of agriculture is common in countries like India, China, and Indonesia where rice and wheat are the dominant crops.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, intensive subsistence agriculture is labor-intensive, highly productive per unit area, and supports large populations in developing countries.